Post #3990766

2026-07-21 16:11 UTC

I've got a gig DMing for 3rd-6th graders next week. Last time I ran D&D for 10 year olds, I was also ten. Any advice? I was told only after accepting that there'll be eight of them. Gods help me.😅 Thinking about picking 1-2 kids each class to be assistant DMs & turn it into a learning oppo for them instead of having a slow game for everybody. #DnD #ttrpg

Replies (3)

@epiceneVivant@mas.to 2026-07-21 16:26

@jack@xeno.glyphpress.com A strategy I've heard of-- but never used-- for managing big groups is to ask the players to nominate a 'Group Caller'. This players' job is to play intermediary any time the DM has to ask, "So what do you all do?" The players usually need to coordinate on this and instead of the DM talking it over with them, the Group Caller (*think* that's the term, this is like a 1e thing) moderates the discussion and only once everyone's sorted do they get back to you with what's being done. That level of coordinator task *might* be too much to ask of 3rd-6th graders and I've never done it so not a rec, but I thought I'd mention.

Open ##3990764
@jack@xeno.glyphpress.com 2026-07-21 19:45

OK, got my class roster for my Dungeons & Dragons camp next week. Looks like I'm not getting any 3rd graders (that's 8 year olds in the US). Kids will be 9-11 years old. That might be slightly easier, we'll see! Debating whether to show up in full viking cosplay for the first session or keep it low key. #proDM #summercamp #dnd #ttrpg

Open ##4414536
@matsuzine@hachyderm.io 2026-07-21 16:17

@jack@xeno.glyphpress.com This post starts a series where the author records his approach running a game with middle schoolers: https://oldeschoolwizardry.blogspot.com/2014/05/i-want-to-try-something.html?m=0

Open ##4414540